WURTSBORO  — Mamakating Library Director Cheryl Jones presented before the Town Board about the progress being made at the Library, noting that this year they introduced a new collection of video games with the thanks given to the Friends of the Library who helped fund the initiative.

“Requests from patrons were crazy before we did it and they have been in here on constant circulation since we did that,” explained Jones. “[We are] really helping the community save on educational and entertainment resources.”

In addition to the addition of the hot ticket items, Jones noted that they are on track to exceed their digital circulation this year by over 10 percent and closer to 12 percent by the end of the year.

“So that means there is a lot more coming into the building, using the collections and using audio eBook collections than there have been in years prior,” explained Jones.

“eBook and audiobook usage is up exponentially so we’re putting a lot more time and effort into curating that collection.”

The library was also said to have provided $2.8 million in services last year alone. These figures also account for material circulation, computer and internet usage, as well as programming.

The generator at the library is also fully operational now, allowing them to service heating, cooling and a supply distribution site if needed.

Jones also announced “Meet the Candidates and Budget Information Session” which will be happening on August 6 at 5 p.m. at the Library.

“So community members will have the chance to talk to all the candidates for open Trustee seats of which there are three this year,” stated Jones.

The community members will also be welcome to ask any questions about the proposed budget to the full Board.

Update on Exit 114

Town Supervisor Michael Robbins reaffirmed the widely-notioned support of keeping Exit 114 open, as its closure was recently proposed.

He announced that Councilman Matthew Mordas and Councilman Peter Goodman  are working on a letter that will state how they are in favor of keeping the exit open. 

Talking Dog Safety

During the Committee Reports session, Councilman Jim Post commented his observations.

He talked of the Founder’s Day Fair which happened this past Saturday and its “fantastic” success.

He heard a lot of people complaining about the temperature that day.

“This means the roads were very hot, and a lot of people, they love their pets” noted Post.

He suggested that maybe next year he will ask the Board of Trade to engage with their Dog Control Officer.

“If it’s that hot again, we’ve gotta provide a wagon or tell people they can’t be walking around with their dogs because it was pretty brutal.” recalled Post.

However, he did not detract from his acknowledgement in everything else being great about the event.